The North American Council for Freight Efficiency (NACFE) has published its second and final report, "Run on Less - Electric DEPOT: Scaling BEVs in the Real World", concluding their Run on Less - Electric DEPOT initiative. This comprehensive study dives deep into the current state of electric truck adoption, highlighting key findings and challenges for scaling up battery-electric vehicles (BEVs) in the freight industry.
The report reinforces the initial observations from the Run, revealing that:
Small depots are ripe for electrification. The technology is readily available and practical for smaller operations.
Electrification of large depots is gaining momentum. While still in its early stages, larger fleets are increasingly embracing the switch to electric trucks.
Infrastructure deployment lags behind. The pace of installing charging stations and establishing power delivery systems at depots remains a significant hurdle.
Significant advancements in trucks and chargers. Since the 2021 Run on Less - Electric initiative, notable improvements have been made in both the vehicles themselves and the charging infrastructure.
Range extension through multi-charging. Multiple charging events during a shift or along routes have demonstrated the feasibility of extending the operating range of electric trucks.
Human expertise is driving adoption. The diversity, passion, and technical capabilities of individuals involved in the electric truck sector are crucial to its successful adoption.
Beyond these initial observations, further analysis revealed four key takeaways:
1. Electric vehicles are performing well. Electric vans, trucks, and heavy-duty tractors are already on the road, demonstrating their effectiveness in various duty cycles.
2. Infrastructure is critical. Investment in charging infrastructure at depots and strategically located along freight corridors is urgently needed to support the growth of electric vehicles.
3. Cost and weight reduction is a priority. Heavy-duty tractor manufacturers should prioritise reducing the cost and weight of their electric models.
4. Data transparency is essential. Accurate and reliable data on all key performance metrics is crucial for informed decision-making and the advancement of the technology.
The report emphasises the need for accurate information about BEVs, particularly in relation to their capabilities. It highlights the tendency to focus on "worst-case" scenarios, which can misrepresent the current state of electric truck development. The report encourages all stakeholders to rely on factual data and current performance metrics when discussing BEVs.
While acknowledging that BEVs are not suitable for all applications, particularly long-haul irregular-route operations and long-distance return-to-base routes, the report asserts their readiness for a wide range of freight hauling tasks. The fleets participating in Run on Less - Electric DEPOT successfully deployed BEVs in various applications, including vans, step vans, medium-duty box trucks, terminal tractors, and Class 8 trucks for short- and medium-distance regional haul. These duty cycles represent a substantial portion of the freight transported in North America.
The report concludes by highlighting the ongoing efforts to address the challenges associated with electric truck adoption. The continued development of technology and the commitment of industry stakeholders will undoubtedly lead to further improvements in the near future.
NACFE expresses gratitude to the fleets, OEMs, and other partners who contributed to the success of Run on Less - Electric DEPOT. While the initiative may be concluding, NACFE remains committed to supporting the decarbonisation of the freight sector through continued dialogue with stakeholders and the ongoing publication of reports and guidance on the electrification of fleets.
The future of electric trucking looks promising, and the insights provided by Run on Less - Electric DEPOT offer valuable guidance for navigating the path toward a more sustainable freight industry.